Category: Campaign 1956
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Speak Loudly and Fly a Big Plane: The GOP “Truth Squad” and the 1956 Election
In 1956, Republicans pioneered a new form of “rapid response” campaigning that combined jet planes, TVs, and other cutting-edge technology. Was it a political innovation – or a clever distraction?
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No Misery in Missouri: Kefauver Charms the Show-Me State in ’56
In 1956, Kefauver was supposed to help Stevenson gain ground with rural and working-class voters. That didn’t work out as planned… except in one state.
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Campaign 1956: What Might Have Been
The 1956 election is remembered as an Eisenhower landslide, which it was. But if the election had taken place a few weeks earlier, it might have been a different story. A Newsweek article from that time offers a glimpse into an alternate universe where the Democrats did better… and Kefauver was the main reason why.
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Kefauver and Voters: A Mysterious Connection
Kefauver’s handshakes were the key to his campaigns. But two reporters who watched him believed that he didn’t enjoy it. So why did he keep doing it? And why did the voters love it so much?
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Civil Words on Civil Rights: Kefauver Calms an Angry Crowd
In 1956, Kefauver stood up to a pro-segregation crowd in Florida… and won them over. What can his courageous example teach us today?
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Thank God I’m A Country Boy: Kefauver’s Musical Connection
Throughout his career, Estes Kefauver used country music to connect with people and promote his campaigns. Like Kefauver himself, it may not have impressed the powerful, but it hit home with regular people.
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Campaign 1956: Kefauver VP Nomination Speech, A Truncated Tribute
When Adlai Stevenson let the convention pick his running mate, Mike DiSalle of Ohio nominated Kefauver. He gave a good speech – one that he had to edit while he spoke,
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Campaign 1956: John Hoving’s Convention Memories
In 1988, C-SPAN interviewed veterans of past Democratic conventions. Thanks to them, we were able to hear ex-Kefauver staffer John Hoving’s behind-the-scenes stories of the 1956 convention… and the Kefauver vs. Kennedy battle for the vide presidency.
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Just Plane Crazy, Part 2: Look Out Below!
During the 1950, jet travel was a novelty. Late in the 1956 campaign, Kefauver was able to draw a big crowd in a small town… but not for the reason he expected.
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Teddy White: Kefauver Was the “Godfather of the Presidential Primary System”
I’ve made the case that Kefauver should be credited for inventing the modern Presidential campaign. But don’t take my word for it… ask the man who invented modern Presidential campaign reporting.
Estes Kefauver for President 